Page last updated on September 7, 2021 at 3:10 pm
For more information, please contact
Rich Dietz, ITS Director, dietzr@bloomington.in.gov, 812-349-3485
Danna Workman, Public Works Asset Clerk/Emergency Grant Coordinator, workmand@bloomington.in.gov, 812-349-3818
The Challenge
We have all cut it close when arriving to work on time. Some mornings (or most mornings) just do not go the way we plan. When we finally start our frantic commute, the last thing we need is surprise road construction ensuring our late arrival. Road projects are vital to our community, but they certainly make traffic more difficult in the short term! It would be helpful to know when and where construction is occurring to adjust our commute and avoid drastic delays, but where could we get this information?
The Idea
Thankfully, the City of Bloomington’s Information and Technology Services and Public Works Departments worked together to create inRoads. This tool is an interactive map with a color-coded system indicating where roads and lanes are closed across the city. Users simply go to the website (https://bloomington.in.gov/inroads/) and all public works road construction projects are listed, mapped, and described with specific details such as start dates/times.
This program also shows sidewalk construction, noise permits, and reserved meters, making inRoads a versatile tool with multiple functions for residents. Public Works uses inRoads to track their own construction projects, so it is constantly updated.
The Cost
inRoads took two months of the Information and Technology Services Department’s time, but no additional costs were required.
The Benefit
There are many benefits to inRoads, but the most prominent is the transparency it provides to the public about what is happening around town that could influence their day. This map displays all Public Works projects that impact traffic. It also saves the Public Works Department approximately four hours of work each week by streamlining the public outreach process.
For More Information
https://bloomington.in.gov/about-inroads
Metadata
City Department(s): Information and Technology Services and Public Works
City Department Point(s) of Contact: Rick Dietz and Danna Workman
Partner(s): n/a
Partner Point(s) of Contact: n/a
Type of Innovation: Technical/Software
Date Implemented: June 2015